Gone Too Far

Chapter Four

It was late morning when James finally pulled up outside the flat. He turned to Matt. “Welcome home, baby.”

Matt smiled weakly. “Maybe you should get me in before the press notice me.”

James nodded, getting out before going to open the passenger door for his boyfriend. He wrapped an arm around Matt’s waist, gently helping the other man out of the car. “Come on.”

Matt allowed James to lead him out of the car and towards the door. Charlie was already stood in the open doorway, clearly anxious to see his friend. “Matt, you’re alright!”

“Hmm. I’m walking, not so sure about the ‘alright’ bit.” Matt smiled as James helped him into the house. “Everything aches like hell.”

“But you’re home, so that’s a start.” Charlie grinned. “Can I get you anything? Tea, coffee?”

Matt shook his head. “Thanks, Charlie, but I don’t know if I have the energy to drink it.”

James gave him a concerned look. “You think you can make it upstairs, or shall I make up the settee for you?”

Matt sighed. “I…I couldn’t…”

Charlie nodded at this. “The new one’s arriving this afternoon. You just go up with James and forget about it.”

Matt smiled a little at this. “Okay. Thanks, Charlie.”

As James all but carried his boyfriend upstairs, he cautiously asked, “Your room?”

“Our room.” Matt rested his head against James’ shoulder. “Fresh start, okay?”

James nodded as he led Matt to the room they shared. “Okay.”

Matt yawned as James gently helped him to lie down on the bed. “Stay with me?”

James nodded. “Like I’m going to miss a chance to watch you sleep.”

Matt grinned at this. “Or look after me. You were enough of a pain when I had that cold.”

James smiled as he sat on the edge of the bed. “Then you’re gonna want to kill me to get rid of me this time,” he teased.

“But I’ll love it all the same.” Matt pulled James down into a lying position. “Hold me?”

James wrapped his arms around his boyfriend. “If that’s what you want.”

~*~

Half an hour later, Charlie went upstairs to check on his two band-mates. He smiled as he saw the couple asleep, Matt in James’ arms. He knew that James hadn’t slept much the previous night, and was glad that he and Matt still seemed comfortable with each other.

He was about to leave when he noticed James stir. The older man smiled as he looked up. “Spying on us, were you?”

“Just making sure you were okay. You were quiet, for a change.”

James stuck his tongue out at Charlie. “Cheeky sod. Getting lonely, were you?”

Charlie nodded, teasingly replying, “I was missing my day to day entertainment.”

James laughed at this. “Nice to know we mean so much to you.”

Charlie smiled. “Also nice to see you like this. I told you he’d want you to go and see him.”

“Is this where I need to remind you that I’m capable of amazing acts of stupidity?”

As James spoke, Matt stirred in his arms. The dark-haired man looked up at James. “You’re still here, then?”

“Where was I gonna go?” James gently cupped Matt’s face. “How are you feeling?”

“About ready for that tea I was offered earlier.”

Charlie laughed at this. “Coming right up, Master Jay.”

As the younger man left the room, James turned back to Matt. “Is it time for me to apologise again yet?”

“James…” Matt took his boyfriend’s hand. “Please, I want to forget about our fight. I forgive you, so please stop dwelling on it.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry.” James smiled. “Anyway, you’ll get better sooner if you’re happy, so I’ll just have to work on that.”

“You’re doing a good enough job just by being here.”

Charlie rolled his eyes as he walked back into the room. “Oh God, the soppiness is back.”

“Jealous, Charlie?” Matt grinned as he sat up, though he winced as he moved.

James sat up with him, shifting so that he was holding Matt in a way that was comfortable for both of them. As Matt took the cup from Charlie, James teased, “Just don’t spill it on me.”

“As if I would.”

Charlie smiled. “I’ll leave you both to it.”

As he walked out of the room, James kissed the top of Matt’s head. “So how long til you get fed up of me?”

Matt smiled at this. “You know I love you taking care of me, deep down.”

James nodded. “I just don’t want to lose you, in any way.”

“And you won’t.” Matt stole a brief kiss before continuing, “I love you, James.”

James met Matt’s gaze, knowing that things would get better from now on. He’d learnt his lesson, and he wasn’t going to throw away his second chance. In a tone that betrayed his newfound hope, he replied, “I love you too.”